Security

Basic security is arguably the most fundamental human need—and the foundation of all of our other pursuits. Progressives are different than “conservatives” both in that we seek to address security problems at their root causes, and in that we think of security as holistic, applying to every aspect of our lives—not just whether we’ll be attacked by terrorists.

Right-wing politicians love to run on platforms that emphasize “national security.” They present themselves as strong on terrorism and tough on crime. Progressives are different in two important ways.

First, we offer more effective solutions to the same problems. We argue that we’ll ultimately be safer from external threats if we engage with the rest of the world in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect than if we thumb our nose at the international community and engage in unilateral preemptive attacks. We assert that we’ll be safer in our homes if we focus on the root causes of crime—i.e. poverty, addiction, lack of hope and alternatives—rather than simply throwing the book at the small percentage of criminals we catch and try.

Next, we focus on all the aspects of security that right wing neoconservatives leave out. We think true security requires a basic safety net that allows us to engage in calculated risks in our “pursuit of happiness.” This means health care for ourselves and our children; it means adequate childcare, access to credit at reasonable rates, and bankruptcy laws that give those truly in trouble a second chance. Are we really “secure” if we are safe from terrorists, but can’t afford to take our children to the emergency room; living paycheck to paycheck with no room for error; or stuck in dead-end jobs instead of starting our own businesses because we can’t afford health care?

As fears about the economy show, Americans want security across the board, not just protection from foreign terrorists. After all, what is more likely—being killed in a 9/11-like attack, or getting breast cancer because you can’t afford to see a doctor for preventative care?

Our Common Values

We all have our favorite issues. But, what binds us together as progressives is a set of common values that differentiate us from the right wing reactionaries.

Community

A central progressive value is that we’re all in this together. We believe that we’re all better off when we work collectively to solve big problems. We respect individual liberties, but don’t think that means it always makes sense to go it alone.

Fairness

Progressives take fairness seriously. This means everything from opposing arbitrary discrimination and fighting for real equal opportunity to making polluters pay for the damage they inflict on our environment and promoting economic policies that ensure everyone pays the true cost of their lifestyle choices.

Sustainability

From protecting our environment and tempering consumption and development to building an economy based on real value rather than irrational bubbles, progressives pursue long-term viability over short term gain.

What are your progressive values?

Community, fairness, security, and sustainability are just the beginning. Together, we can build our list of common values so it’s clear to all Americans that we have a coherent vision, not just a random mix of policy preferences.